Rockford, IL – On Tuesday, February 5, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) arrested a 16 year old male with possession of a stolen semi-automatic rifle and various illegal drugs. The firearm and drugs were recovered following a traffic crash investigation involving the teen, which took place at Seminary Street and Blackhawk Avenue. The items were located in a silver 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, the vehicle the teenager was driving.

The teen, who was taken into custody by an ISP trooper as he attempted to flee the crash scene, was found to be in possession of a stolen Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 semi-automatic rifle along with over 34 grams of cocaine, 0.3 grams of heroin, 12 grams of cannabis and over $600 in cash. The rifle, which was loaded when it was recovered from the teen’s vehicle, was reported stolen to the Rockford Police Department in 2011.

“Any firearm in the wrong hands, especially a juvenile, is never a good thing,” said ISP District 16 Commander Jeffery Bain. “Thanks to the exceptional work of the officers involved in the recovery of this weapon, countless lives, including the teen, may have been saved,” added Bain.

Also in the teen’s possession at the time of the arrest, were five cell phones and a black, shoulder length styled wig. The juvenile has been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Cannabis and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The matter remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.

The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until the charges are proven in a court of law.